THE
Muir view
NEWS OF THE SIERRA CLUB IN WISCONSIN - wisconsin.sierraclub.org
Wisconsin’s Transportation Budget
Kicks Local Funding to the Curb
By Elizabeth Ward, Conservation Programs Coordinator-John Muir Chapter
As we gear up for the debate over the next Biennial Budget, all eyes
will be on the now constitutionally segregated Transportation Budget.
With declining gas tax revenues (as Wisconsinites drive less and our
vehicles get more efficient), there has been much debate in the media
over how to cover the cost of maintaining Wisconsin’s local roads and
highways. The Sierra Club and other groups will be working hard in
coming months to point out that our budget problem is not just about
bridging revenue gaps, but also about making sure that we don’t keep
building costly highways with taxpayer dollars that don’t necessarily
meet our changing mobility needs.
Transportation: an environmental issue?
The Transportation Budget is one
of those issues that grabs public
interest, but it is rarely seen as an
environmental issue. In fact, the
transportation sector is the second-largest and fastest-growing
source of greenhouse gases, emitting 1,739.5 million metric tons
of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually
according to the EPA (with diesel
creating about 15% more emis-
sions per gallon than gasoline
when burned due to the higher
carbon content of that fuel).
Cars, trucks, and other vehicles
also emit other toxins, including, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate
matter (PM), and benzene. As a
result, people living near roadways have a higher incidence of
asthma, d Continued on pg. 6
Chapter Awards Recognize Outstanding Volunteer Accomplishments
By Shahla Werner, Director, John Muir Chapter
consin from the scenic shores of Lake Superior
to the Penokee Hills to the
Chequamegon Nicolet
National Forest. His
environmental accomplishments include
vocally opposing
the bill to gut
mining safeguards
written by and
for out-of-state
iron mining compaState Senator Bob Jauch received the
ny Gogebic Taconite
Torchbearer Award, given to those
(GTAC), supporting the Great Lakes
external to the club for consistently promoting
Compact, and authoring legislation to
practices or policies that protect the environment.
protect the Totogatic and
Sen. Jauch earned the award for his decades of
Brunsweiler Rivers under the
public service in the state legislature, where he
State Wild Rivers Program.
represented constituents in northwestern Wisd Continued on pg. 3
Volume 53
Number 1
Jan-March
2015
in this issue
Each year the John Muir Chapter pauses to
recognize a handful of individuals
and organizations whose actions have
made a difference in our efforts on
statewide environmental issues. This
year’s awards were presented when 100
Sierra Club members and supporters
from throughout Wisconsin gathered
at the Phantome Lake YMCA Camp for
our Autumn Assembly, October 10-12.
Award winners included:
From the Chair
Post Election Wrap Up
Mining Committee Update
Issues At a Glance Donor Thank You
New Subcommittee
Quetico/Boundary Waters
Green Review
Gift Memberships
Chapter Calendar
2
4
7
8
10
12
13
14
15
16
from
the
chair
The early arrival of winter weather gave us a jolt this fall. A freeze
sweetens kale plants in the garden, but this weather went overboard,
and our kale was downright brittle when we harvested. Yet climate
change skeptics may be disappointed in seizing on this regional weather pattern to say it’s all a hoax. So far scientists are suggesting that
melting polar ice is releasing the relative warmth from arctic waters
into the atmosphere. This “warm” air then presses the jet stream south,
bringing us polar air, which is “cold” to us. Such anomalies may continue with general warming. But what else
might happen? Our economy, and perhaps
our species, is threatened by extreme climate
change. Hence we continue to do everything
we can to reduce greenhouse gases and stabilize our global climate!
My annual November hunt in northern Wisconsin will be long past when you read this.
Fans of the deer will be pleased that a twoday snowstorm ended my bow hunting pursuit prematurely, but as I write this, I am still
looking to Thanksgiving week and the gun
deer hunt. (Last year’s harvest has dwindled
to a few morsels of venison remaining in the
freezer.) By the time this Muir View arrives
though I hope to be outdoors regularly on
cross-country skis, enjoying that magical
blend of solitude and aerobic exercise and
preparing for my 28th Birkebeiner in late
February.
We can’t overlook November’s mid-term
election. There were candidates we liked a
lot. Some we liked much less. But the voters
of Wisconsin spoke -- or at least some of them did. (Did you? – It
matters.) We had wins but more than our share of losses. (See Dave
Blouin’s article on page 4.) As a consequence we will likely fight two
more years of regressive environmental legislation, lax state agency
rule-making and enforcement. Sadly, this affects public health, with
contaminated or exhausted groundwater due to destructive farming
practices and the threat of silicosis from dust in the air around frac
sand operations. We’re seeing new utility rates that discourage families
from investing in solar and wind alternatives, and transportation
policy that sacrifices neighborhoods to bigger freeways, whether or not
trends indicate they are necessary. New taxes may penalize families for
owning fuel-efficient cars.
The political tide will turn eventually, but we will need to work for it.
On the brighter side, we’ve recently celebrated 50 years of wilderness
preservation and helped acquire new Wisconsin public land where
John Muir spent his formative years. So we’ve continued to explore,
enjoy and protect Our Wild Wisconsin.
We’ve led in closing dirty coal plants, stimulated new solar installations and slowed
the spread of “extreme oil” from Canadian
Tar Sands. No mother wants a poisonous
oil spill in her children’s neighborhood or
upstream on a nearby river.
The John Muir Chapter of Sierra Club
has a long history of grassroots strength,
activism and results. Our members around
the state are the key, and we are growing.
We have adopted a new map of local Sierra
Club groups in Wisconsin, aligning local
groups along county boundaries. Regions
without a local group are now called
“territories,” fertile ground for organizing
new efforts around a local issue. Of course
our members can also choose which group
they belong to regardless of geographic
location.
We are financially solid, but we could do
more with increased financial resources
and staff. As many of you know we are blessed to have Shahla Werner,
Jacinda Tessmann and Elizabeth Ward working hard and effectively
out of our Madison office. If you have the wherewithal to help expand
this work with a major donation to the club, now or in the future,
give Chapter Director Shahla Werner a call at 608-256-0565. A gift to
the Sierra Club John Muir Chapter is a gift to quality of life for future
generations in Wisconsin.
Jim Kerler
the
Chair, Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter
muir view
Muir View Committee
Editor: Jacinda Tessmann
Layout: Laura Westenkirchner
Karen Pope, Shahla Werner, Reid Magney, Janine
Melrose
Contributor Guidelines
Please submit articles by mail or email to:
222 S. Hamilton St., Ste. 11
Madison, WI 53703-3201
[email protected]
Please include the author’s first and last names,
and day and evening phone numbers at the top.
Acceptance of submission contingent upon
availability of space and must meet Sierra Club
guidelines.
2
222 S. Hamilton, Suite 11, Madison, WI 53703
A Quarterly Publication of the John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club
Advertising Coordinator:
Jacinda Tessmann
[email protected]
Advertising Rates:
Current advertising rates may be found on the JMC
website: http://wisconsin.sierraclub.org
Deadline:
The deadline for submission of articles to the
April/June, 2015 issue is midnight on February 15,
2015.
Change of Address:
Send old and new addresses with mailing label (or
member number) to:
Sierra Club – Membership Services
85 Second St., 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
The Muir View (ISSN 199-048, USPS 499-650)
is published quarterly by the John Muir Chapter of
the Sierra Club, 222 S. Hamilton, Suite 11, Madison,
WI 53703.
Periodical Postage paid at Madison, WI and at
additional mailing offices. Subscription fees: $1.00
annually for chapter members (included with
membership dues) or $5.00 annually for nonmembers.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to:
Sierra Club
222 S. Hamilton, Suite 11
Madison, WI 53703
commitment to the goals
and missions of the John
Muir Chapter. Among
other things, Jim earned
this lifetime achievement
award for his past service as
Chapter Chair and Council
of Club Leaders representative, and for his ongoing
work on the Personnel,
Membership and Finance
Committees and the National Sierra Club’s Awards
Committee.
dAwards Continued from pg. 1
Dr. Pat McManus, Reverend Willie Brisco, Karyn Rotker, and Dennis
Grzezinski shared the Good Citizen Award
this year, given to individuals external to the
club who champion innovative programs or
processes that protect the environment. They
earned this award for their efforts to organize and file a lawsuit against the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation (WisDOT)
and the National Highway Administration for
failing to address the health and transit needs
of Milwaukee’s inner city in reconstructing
the Zoo Interchange in Milwaukee County.
Jim Steffens received the JJ & Pat Werner
Award, given to Sierra Club leaders in the
John Muir Chapter who display an undying
Mining Subcommittee
Member Laurie Szpot
received the New Activist
Award for her enthusiastic participation in
Sierra Club issues and in the organization, for
her participation in a planning session to create a mining campaign plan with national Sierra Club representatives, her assistance with
the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness Act Apostle
Islands Boat Tour, and for her fantastic work
posting compelling updates to our Facebook
page that helped us exceed 2,500 fans in 2014
without the use of any paid advertisements.
Former teacher, Girl Scout and sand mining
activist Barb Flom received the Merit Award,
given to a Sierra Club leader who actively carries the Sierra Club message to decision-makers and the concerned public. Barb refused to
sign a gag order and accept funds from a frac
sand mining company that was proposing to
mine on her family’s land, and she has empowered local community members to engage
in fights to protect habitat, public health and
the bucolic lifestyle in western Wisconsin.
Flom has also been crucial in helping the
chapter devise effective strategies for supporting local groups seeking increased regulation
and oversight of Wisconsin’s frac sand boom.
Writer, public speaker and backpacker Eric
Hansen received the Wildflower Award,
given to a mentor for new and existing
activists and to an educator who promotes a
positive image for the Club. Eric’s books on
hiking trails in Wisconsin and Michigan’s
Upper Peninsula help guide and connect
people to outstanding natural features in our
local region. His participation in 350.org and
Sierra Club, and his editorials on threats that
tar sands oil pipelines pose to our fresh water
resources are compelling and thought-provoking enough to move public opinion into
our corner.
Is there an environmental champion who you
feel deserves recognition for contributions to
the Sierra Club John Muir Chapter’s mission?
Please visit the website for details on how to
make a nomination: www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin or contact Awards Chair Lacinda Athen
at [email protected] for a nomination
form.
National Sierra Club Awards received
Autumn Assembly keynote Ron Seely
recently received a prestigious national
Sierra Club award. The John Muir Chapter
nominated Seely for the David Brower
Award in recognition of his award-winning
reporting on environmental issues with the
Wisconsin State Journal and the Center for
Investigative Journalism. The award was
presented at a ceremony in San Francisco
in November.
Members of the John Muir Chapter Fundraising Committee were honored with the national Sierra Club’s Denny & Ida Wilcher Award
which included a $3,000 gift to the chapter.
The award recognized the teams’ successful
efforts to garner sponsorships and ticket
sales for our 50th Anniversary Celebration
featuring Michale Brune in 2013. Don Ferber
accepted the award at a ceremony in San
Francisco in November. (Pictured from left:
Liz Wessel, Gary Werner, Don Ferber, Caryl
Terrell, Seth Nowak)
DEADLINE FOR APRIL-JUNE 2015 ISSUE IS FEBRUARY 15
3
2014 Post-election Wrap-up
By Dave Blouin, John Muir Chapter Political Committee Chair
There’s no getting around the fact that the 2014 elections were not kind
to the John Muir Chapter and our goals. The mid-term election results
were not entirely unexpected yet were disappointing since Sierra Club
members throughout the state worked so hard to elect strong environmental candidates in a number of key races. Still, I want to thank
every member who turned out to help on races around the state; we
heard thanks and appreciation from many candidates who treasure our
endorsement and the help we provided for their races.
There are clear reasons why these elections favored GOP candidates.
Amidst an already hyper-partisan atmosphere, these factors included
attacks on democracy via active voter suppression (disguised as voter
“rights” measures) and negative campaigning by candidates and their
“dark money” surrogates. Dark money is the legal, anonymous and
unlimited contributions to campaigns, independent of individual candidates, for phony issue ads and often outright lies about candidates.
Other important factors include the recent gerrymandering of state
and federal districts to favor incumbents and move voters favorable to
the GOP into like-voting districts along with a concerted effort to tie
state and federal candidates to unpopular former and current officials.
Lest you think I’m deliberately beating up on the GOP, I should remind
readers that the Sierra Club is officially a non-partisan organization.
The other side deserves blame for some of the same infractions, but to
be clear: the GOP has become increasingly and openly hostile to Sierra
Club goals in recent years. We need only reference our own recent
legislative scorecards demonstrating party-line voting on every piece of
legislation marred only by the occasional brave vote taken by officials
like outgoing Senator Dale Schultz on mining legislation.
While we had no expectation that the state Assembly GOP majority
would change, the losses in the Senate that increased the GOP majority
there and the office of the Governor will make our work influencing
the next budget and legislative session even more difficult. Bright spots
in state elections included returning Representatives Ron Kind, Mark
Pocan, and Gwen Moore to Congress. Kathleen Vinehout and Janet
Bewley won tight state Senate races with Bewley set to replace retiring
State Senator Bob Jauch. Most endorsed incumbents on the Assembly
side were reelected and new candidates elected included Beth Meyers
in Bayfield, Amanda Stuck in Appleton and Dave Considine in Portage.
Former John Muir Chapter Chair and Assembly Representative Penny
Bernard Schaber lost her bid for state Senate despite strong grassroots
support and a very positive campaign. This was a key race where both
the Sierra Club and allied groups put many resources, including volunteers and advertising, to work but came up short. That race is a good
example of how gerrymandering has made a district more partisan
than it had been previously and thus, much harder to win.
We’re encouraged that Kelly Westlund wants to run against Sean Duffy
again in 2016. We endorsed Kelly because she’s a smart, strong and
tireless campaigner who is committed to maintaining our environment. She has emerged as an articulate spokesperson for progressive
causes in northwestern Wisconsin and we’re thrilled that she’s not
backing away from another fight.
We know that polling repeatedly demonstrates that voters – across
party lines – do care about their environment and their future. They do
not want to be burdened with dirty energy and the resulting pollution.
They want clean air and water for their families and children. They
want action on climate change, on voter rights and democracy and on
getting unlimited, polluter money out of politics. They want a clean
energy economy that creates jobs and increases our quality of life.
Our job is to make sure that our elected officials understand these
issues, know what our expectations are and realize that there will be
consequences to their votes. We also can do more to emphasize voter
education and the importance of voting for your best interests, not
against them. We are absolutely right on these issues and will do more
to elevate their profile and importance in our neighborhoods and communities to win in the next round of elections. We’ve been down before
but we keep bouncing back, and I’m convinced that we can build on
the great work we did in this election to make a difference in 2016.
Maureen Birk, Sally Peck, Penny Bernard Schaber & Laura DeGolier attend a house-party
fundraiser for Penny’s senate bid at Joe & Mary Jo Weidert’s Menasha home.
4
Thank you to our 2014 Autumn Assembly
Sponsors & Silent Auction Donors
Silent Auction Donors:
Aldo Leopold Nature
Center
American Players Theater
B-Side Compact Discs &
Tapes
Bad Dog Frida
Bartell Theatre
Better World Club
Candinas Chocolatier
Discovery World at Pier
Wisconsin
Driftless Studio
Eagle Optics
East Towne Spa
Fair Share CSA Coalition
The Farley Center
Formecology
Forward Theatre Company
Good Earth Soap
Gustafson Gervasi Law
Office
Just Act Natural
La Nana’s Woolies
Madison Ayurveda &
Massage
Madison Magazine
Madison Symphony
Orchestra
Madison Wine and Hop
Shop
Mad Urban Bees
Milwaukee Ballet
Milwaukee Boat Line
Mystery to Me Bookstore
Olbrich Gardens
Orange Tree Imports
Organic Valley
Overture Center
Pegasus Games
Peninsula Players Theater
Phantom Lake YMCA
Playthings Toy Store
Rishi Tea
Seventh Generation
The Spice House
Terra Experience
Wild Apple Glass Studio &
Gallery
Wild Birds Unlimited
We also thank Ron Horn, Carol Johnson, Don Ferber, Sue Sedlachek, Melissa and Jay Warner, Jeff Sytsma,
Gerry Mullins, Caryl Terrell and Liz Wessel for their individual item donations!
Sponsors:
5
d Transportation Continued from pg. 1
cardiovascular disease, reduced lung function,
low birth weight infants, childhood leukemia,
and premature death. Transportation also has
a significant impact on where and how we
live, impacting sprawl and habitat protection.
have resulted in the elimination of many bus
routes, leaving thousands with limited or
no access to jobs, shopping, school, medical
appointments and recreation.
Our transportation sector also fuels our
dependence on oil. The BP Deepwater
Horizon Disaster, which claimed 11 human
lives, spilled 200 million gallons of oil, and
1.8 million gallons of toxic dispersants into
the Gulf, illustrates the horrific price we
are paying for our dependence on oil. The
US consumes 19.6 million barrels of oil per
day (each barrel contains 42 gallons), or
22% of the world’s total, despite having only
4.43% of the world’s population. The cost
of our oil dependence is high, with the US
spending $190 billion per year on overseas
oil. As global oil supply decreases, we go to
greater extremes to get it, from deepwater,
offshore drilling to destroying boreal forests
in order to extract tar sands oil in Canada.
Until we can kick our addiction to oil, we
will continue to clamor for every last drop,
whether that means leaving a legacy of water
pollution from the Gulf Coast to Michigan’s
Kalamazoo River or risking community safety
with horrific freight rail accidents.
Transportation in Wisconsin
Because of all the environmental issues
surrounding transportation, the Sierra Club
advocates for clean transportation alternatives
including taking the bus or train, walking,
biking, and driving a hybrid or an electric
vehicle. In 2010 we fought hard for the highspeed rail train that would have provided
a clean alternative to driving to and from
Milwaukee and eventually would have provided regional transportation from Chicago to
Minneapolis. Once that project was blocked,
we focused our energy on encouraging people
to use mass transit to reduce emissions from
driving (also known as reducing vehicle miles
traveled). As we began working to expand
transit options, one thing became clear: we
need better funding and funding mechanisms
to support our transit systems.
Unfortunately, most cities in Wisconsin
have transit systems that are not adequate to
address mobility needs. Transfers, inconvenient routes, or long trips make mass transit
difficult or impossible for some. Though the
demand for more buses, more stops, and convenience is high, funding for transit systems
has been slashed. What’s more, the legislature
won’t allow communities to form regional
transit authorities, a tool available almost
everywhere else in the nation for raising local,
dedicated transit funds. Transit funding cuts
in the 2011-13 and 2013-15 state budgets
6
The reality is most of these cuts have occurred
in order to increase the budget for highway
expansions. Of the $3 billion Transportation
Budget, nearly $2 billion is used for highways.
The ballooning budget for expanding highways has been gobbling up funding for transit,
biking and walking infrastructure, and even
local road reimbursements (evident by the
multiplying potholes in communities across
Wisconsin), like a game of “Hungry, Hungry
Highways.” For the last 15 years, highway
expansion spending has increased over 100%.
Increased highway spending has also led to
growing debt within the Transportation Budget. In 2000, 5% of the Transportation Budget
was spent paying off the debt. In the 2013
budget, 16% was allocated to paying off our
debt, and a recent Legislative Fiscal Bureau
memo showed debt could soon be 1/5th of
the Transportation Budget. We cannot continue on this downward trajectory in which we
continue to use credit to pay for these projects
and force our children to foot the bill.
Changing Trends
These funding changes are happening despite
the fact that Wisconsinites are driving 8.4%
less now than they did in 2003. Demographic
shifts in our state’s population suggest that
that this trend is likely to continue in coming
years.
Residents across Wisconsin are aging. A
study by the Department of Administration
found that by 2035, over 25% of Wisconsin
will be 65 or older. Some counties, especially
our rural counties could
have elderly populations
close to 40%. People often
outlive their ability to
drive, men by 6 years and
women by 10. Wisconsin
needs options like transit
in place to allow those
who cannot drive to go
grocery shopping, get to
doctor’s appointments,
get to work, and socialize
in order to avoid social
isolation.
On the other side of the
spectrum, young people
are seeking transportation options other than
driving. Reports by the
U.S. Public Interest
Research Group show
that millennials (ages
16-34) drove 23% fewer
miles than in 2001. This
is happening because
young people prefer to
live in cities where they
can walk to work, restaurants, and entertainment; ride the bus or train while using their
smart phones; and avoid paying for a car in
order to pay off student loan debts.
2015-17 Biennial Budget
Despite our desperate need to reform transportation spending, Wisconsin Department of
Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Gottlieb
submitted a budget request just days after the
election that shows complete disregard for
Wisconsin’s changing transportation needs
and instead proposed more wasteful highway
spending. For instance, WisDOT proposed
$751 million in new fees by instituting a
‘highway use fee’ on the purchase of new
vehicles (averaging $800 for a typical vehicle
around $32,000), an increase to the gas tax,
and even a $50 tax on those who own electric
and hybrid vehicles, blaming budget shortfalls
on drivers who invest in efficient vehicles for
paying less gas tax rather than curbing wasteful highway spending. A better way to balance
our Transportation budget would be to cancel
unnecessary highway proposals and fix our
local infrastructure first, instead of penalizing
those who help reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and oil dependence.
The budget recommends increasing highway
funding by hundreds of millions, including
almost $800 million for highway expansions
in Southeastern Wisconsin. At the same time,
local communities get a measly 3% increase in
state reimbursements. Though transit funding
gets some increases, the budget proposes
removing transit from the transportation
fund and instead funding it through the state’s
General Fund. This is extremely concerning.
By funding transit systems through the General Fund, funding levels will be jeopardized
by forcing transit to compete with schools,
police, fire, and other needs.
Case-Study: Double-Decker
Highway Boondoggle
Ironically, the same day WisDOT released
its budget proposal, it also released the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement for the
proposed expansion of the I-94 Interstate
between the Zoo and Marquette Interchanges. WisDOT proposed two options for this
project: 1.) an expansion that included a
double-decker highway, with five lanes ontop and five below, or 2.) an expansion that
reduced lane size and removed the shoulders
of the road to increase the number of lanes
in each direction. Both options proposed
expanding the highway, no transit alternatives
were studied. Both incredibly expensive options ($1.2 billion and $800 million respectively) would cost more than all state funding
for county, city, village, and town roads
currently get in a year in Wisconsin.
Of course, an expansion is not needed, but
funding for local roads and transit desperately
is. A report by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
found that while WisDOT is projecting that
traffic in the corridor will grow 23.3% by
2040, Wisconsinites have actually driven
almost 8% less on that stretch of road since
2000. While driving in the corridor has
decreased, the demand for transit has risen.
Cuts to Milwaukee’s transit system in 2011
left 13,000 people unable to access their jobs.
This past summer, the Sierra Club joined the
Coalition for More Responsible Transportation (CMRT), a coalition of organizations
concerned about the proposal. CMRT will
continue to fight for a transit alternative to
this wasteful expansion.
All Hands on Deck
With a single party controlling both houses
of the Legislature as well as the Governor’s
office, it will be an uphill battle to stop the
fast-tracked budget from slashing transit
funding in Wisconsin, penalizing those who
choose cleaner cars, and increasing taxes for
all of us. The budget is on a path to increase
funding for unnecessary highway expansions
while cutting critical transit funding. We will
need everyone to contact their legislators, talk
to their neighbors, write letters-to-the-editor, and more in order to get the attention of
Governor Walker and the legislature.
If you can help get Wisconsin’s transportation
funding in line with the needs of the 21st
Century, contact Elizabeth Ward at elizabeth.
[email protected] or (608) 256-0565.
Mining Committee has busy Autumn
The John Muir Chapter Mining Committee hosted a
screening of the Al Jazeera documentary “Wisconsin’s
Mining Standoff ” at the Sigurd Olson Environmental
Institute at Northland College on Friday, September
26th, 2014. The documentary was created by Milwaukee’s 371 Productions and chronicles the fight against
Gogebic Taconite’s open pit mine proposal. More than
70 are residents turned out for the screening and heard
from an expert panel that included Faye Koosman
of the O’dovero family which farms directly adjacent
to the proposed mine, Frank Koehn, President of the
Mining Impact Coalition of Wisconsin, Chairman
Mike Wiggins, Jr. of the Bad River Band of the Lake
Superior Ojibwe and Devon Cupery of 371 Productions. Attendees heard how GTac wrote the new iron
mining law that gutted environmental regulations and
how the Sierra Club and others worked together in
2014 to repeal the law that we call the Bad River Watershed Destruction Act. The Mining committee has
also sponsored showings around the state and plans to
schedule more in 2015.
In late September, members of the Mining Committee traveled to Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range to witness the devastation caused by
decades of open pit taconite mining identical to what is proposed by Gogebic Taconite in the Penokees and the Bad River Watershed
of Lake Superior. The photo above shows a very small part of what is currently the world’s largest open pit taconite mine, the Rust Hull
Mahoning mine in Hibbing, MN owned by Cliffs Natural Resources. GTac’s proposal could become the world’s largest open pit taconite
mine if it gains permits and expands beyond the current Phase 1 proposal.
7
Issues at a glance
Chapter Elections
Turn your passion into action
Thank you to all who cast a vote in this year’s
election and to the candidates who ran for office.
By participating in elections for the chapter’s
volunteer leadership you’re taking an active role
in shaping the direction and policy of the John
Muir Chapter.
Our statewide subcommittees are looking for dedicated volunteers who are willing to turn their
passion into action. Whether you champion clean energy, oppose destructive mining, advocate
for forests and wildlife or think clean transportation is the solution to climate change, we may
have an opportunity for you to get more involved. One voice alone can easily be lost, but together we can raise our voices and be heard. Email [email protected] to express your
interest and indicate which committee you are interested in:
As a result of the election, in January the Executive Committee will welcome Don Hammes and
Carol Johnson to its ranks, along with returning
member Eric Uram. Each will serve a three-year
term.
Three at-large seats will be up for election next
year with terms to start in 2016. Watch for an
invitation to apply for candidacy in the July issue
of the Muir View.
River Touring Section Annual
Meeting
The annual meeting of the John Muir
Chapter’s River Touring Section will be held
Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the Summit
Village Hall located at 2911 N. Dousman Rd.,
outside of Oconomowoc. Socializing starts
at 11 a.m. with a potluck lunch at noon and
short business meeting.
Please bring a dish to share and your own
plates, cups and utensils. RTS will provide
beverages. For details contact: Rich Krieg,
920-660-3557, [email protected]
UPCOMING CHANGES WORTH
NOTING
A new chapter website will be unveiled in
early 2015. The new site promises to be user
friendly whether you use a computer, tablet
or phone. Watch for its official launch then
bookmark the new web address - sierraclub.
org/wisconsin - so you can visit often.
The John Muir Chapter office will be moving
in 2015. Beginning March 1st you can find us
at 754 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53703.
Our new offices will be located on the ground
floor of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind
and Visually Impaired building. The move
offers a great work environment for our staff
at an easy to access location for our volunteers
and interns. Our phone number will remain
608-256-0565.
8
•
•
•
•
Clean Energy
Mining (taconite and frac sand)
Water Protection
Clean Transporation
•
•
•
•
Protecting native forests and wildlife
Fundraising
Membership
Tar Sands
John Muir Chapter
Group Boundary Change
The group boundary changes proposed earlier this year
have been passed by the Executive Committee and will
be implemented in 2015. The new boundaries are based
on county lines rather than zip codes. The final plan
took into consideration the comments and input from
members. The map below shows the new, easy to identify
boundaries. Any member impacted by the change who
wishes to affiliate with a different group can contact the
chapter office at [email protected]
Sierra Club fights
unfair rate hikes
Late in 2014 John Muir Chapter and allies worked tirelessly to oppose utility
rate hikes requested by We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service and Madison Gas and Electric. The radical changes penalize low-income customers
and those who invest in renewables and efficiency. In response, the chapter
helped found a coalition of allies, led educational forums and press conferences across the state, encouraged public comment from members and
succeeded in publishing editorials against these hikes. In spite of the public
outcry against these unreasonable increases the PSC (led by a Governor
Walker appointee) voted to approve all three requests. The chapter and its’
allies remain committed to promoting clean, renewable energy in Wisconsin.
Pictured are Heidi Speight and sons Sylvan and Wyatt.
PEOPLE’S
CLIMATE MARCH
Sierra Club helped organize the largest climate
march in history last September. Over 400,000
concerned citizens from across the nation-and
Canada-converged on New York City to draw
attention to the urgency surrounding the need
for climate change action. The march coincided with the United Nation’s Climate Summit
attended by world leaders. The John Muir
Chapter and Wisconsin were well represented
with multiple buses (co-sponsored by the Four
Lakes Group) departing from around the state.
Sierra Club Board Vice President, Spencer Black
fired-up the Wisconsin contingent at the march.
Pictured are Diana and Alan Lawrence of Sierra
Club’s Fox Valley Group.
WILDERNESS ACT CELEBRATION
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness
Act and to highlight threats posed by the proposed taconite
mine, the John Muir Chapter hosted a two hour boat tour on
Lake Superior. The September 26th event, attended by over
100 people, explored portions of the 35,000 acre Gaylord
Nelson Wilderness Area and the Apostle Islands National
Lakeshore. Guest speakers included: Tia Nelson, daughter
of former Senator and pioneering conservationist Gaylord
Nelson; Mike Wiggins Jr., Chair, Bad River Band of the Lake
Superior Ojibwe; Neil Howk, Assistant Chief of Interpretation and Education, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore,
National Park Service; and Dave Blouin, Mining Committee
Chair, Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter.
Photo by Laurie Szpot.
9
Thank you to our donors!
Your generous contributions–above and beyond your membership dues–provided crucial support for our local grassroots
campaigns to protect Wisconsin’s air, water and wild places for future generations.
A
Charles Adam, Peter AddingtonWhite, Loraine Adkins, Richard A
Albert, Todd Ambs & Beth Wentzel, Belindah
Anderson, D Anderson & J Nugent, Deane
M Anderson, Dennis & Kathleen Anderson,
Janet Anderson, Kathy Anderson, Lacinda
Athen & Marshall Mundt
B
Ronald A Backus, Dennis Baldry,
Helen Baldwin, Tania Banak, Claire
Barnett, James Barrabee, B Bartelt & M
Terranova, Dan Barth, Patricia Becker, Janice
Behn, Marion Belzer, Charles Benedict,
Joan Bennett, Gladys Benson, Mr. & Mrs.
Todd I. Berens, Craig Berg, Constance M.
Berner, G Galin & Carol Berrier, Paul &
Sue Bietila, Wayne Bigelow & Carol Brooks,
Victoria A Billings, Pamela Bisbee, Spencer
Black & Pam Fornell, David Blackey, Joan
& Darren Blankenship, Scott Blankman &
Denise DeMarb, Robert & Bonnie Block,
Dave Blouin & Claire Gervais, Katharine
Blumenthal, Charles Boardman, Bruce &
Roberta Boczkiwicz, Allan G & Margaret R
Bogue, Harriet Bohn, Eugene Bommersbach,
Jo Ann Bonk, Marilyn Bontly, Stephen
Born, Mr James Bove, Karen Bowen, Jane M
Bowers, Peter Bowley, Barry Boyer, Daniel
Brantner, Mary L Braskamp, Michael Brauner,
Joyce Brehm, Donald Brennecke, Betty & Bob
Brenneman, Marge F Brewer, Ron & Doris
Brewster, Joseph Brien, Marcia Bringardner,
Cheri & Tom Briscoe, Kathie Brock, Julie
Brooks, Laura Brown, Willis Brown, Richard
Bruder, Barbara Brunette, David & Barbara
Bryce, Linda Buchsbaum, John Buchta, Don
& Carol Buckman, Thomas Burton
C
Patricia & Thomas Cameron, Peter
& Marsha Cannon, A Cantor & A
Kalker, Kathy Capaccio, Thomas & Sally
Carpenter, Marlene Case, Dawn R Casper,
Bernadette H Cassata, Jean Cecil, Rick
Chamberlin, Darlene & Rick Charboneau,
Jean Chatterton, Mark Chelmowski,
Stephen Cheney, Douglas S Cherkauer, Lynn
Christiansen, Ed Churchwell, Arthur Cohrs,
Steven Coleman, James & Susan Connors,
Barbara Constans, Susan & Gary Corbisier,
Katherine Cornwell, Joe & Barbara Corry,
Frank Court, Lawrence Craig, Amy Crofts,
Mr Clare J Crowley, Bonnie Cunningham,
Mortimer Cushman
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D
Courtney Danielson, Jaime Dant,
Michael & Shirley Daun, Frederick
J Davis, James Davison, Gerald DeAmico,
Donald Debruyn, Virginia Dederich, Charlie
Dee, Ada Deer, Laura DeGolier, Susan Des
Rosiers, Dennis Deyo, Robert & Genevieve
Dickson, John Dixon, Mark & Jane Domrose,
Robert Donner & Bonnie Wolff, Jerald
P Donohue, Roger & Kay Doran, Elaine
Dorough Johnson, Warren & Ruth Downs,
Gene Drecktrah, Gary Drescher, Bonnie
Dryer, Debbie Dueppen, Jean Dussault
E
Lars Ecklund, Barry Edelstein, Mark
& Shari Eggleson, Frederick Ehrke,
Debbie Elholm, Carol Elvery, Joanne Engel
& Ken Valdes, Steve Engler, Eric Epstein,
Kristine Euclide & Doug Steege, Lorna
Everson, Jim & Patricia Ewens
F
Phillip Farley, Jerry Feathers,
Kay Fenico, Don Ferber, Charles
Fernandez, James Ferwerda, Jan Figueroa,
Stephen H Filbert, Barbara & James Fisher,
Carol Fleishauer, Dr Wesley K Foell, Robert
E Forbess, Russ & Linda Forbess, Margaret
Ford, Rachel & Robert Formolo, Eugene
Fowler, Cheryl Frazier, Charles & Anne
Frihart, Michael Frome & June Eastvold,
Emily Fuch, Jane Furchgott & Charles Munch
G
Tom Galazen, Suzanne Gardner,
Charles A. Gates, Ned & Carol
Gatzke, David Gebauer, Carole Geddes-Engel,
Ted Gerhardt, Jennifer Giegerich, Mark M
Giese, Edith H Gilman, James Godshalk,
Steve Goldberg, Alison Gomez, David &
Nancy Goode, Donna & John Goodrich,
Patricia Gormley, Gary Goyke & Nancy
Rottier, Mark & Sandra Grady, Jim & Sarah
Gramentine, Arline Granberg, Ted Griggs,
Kay Gruling & Tim Buttke, Bill & Jo Guenzel,
Muriel Gunderson, Andrew Gussert
H&I
H&H Solar, Marina
Haan, Marta Haas,
Hans Hahn, William & Marian Hall, Jami
Hanreddy, Marilyn Hansen, Virginia Hansis,
Brian & Janet Hanson, Wayne & Janet
Hanson, Mr Jerome Hanus, Carol Hardin,
Donna Harschlip, Lincoln Hartford, Judith
Hartl, Daniel & Linda Harvey, Debora
Harvey-Frederiksen, Gwendolyn Hatfield,
Ann & Roger Hauck, David & Susan Haug,
John Haugen, Jean E & Bill C Hayes, Joseph
Heck, Mary Hegnauer, Patricia Heizler,
Nancy Hennessy, Dave & Glenda Henning,
Patricia & Jeffrey Henry, Laura Mae Hesse,
David P Hetzel, Edith Hibbard, Mark Hill
& Sue Dentiger, Thomas Hilliker, Chuck
Himmel, Mr and Mrs Morris W. Hirsch,
Lawrence Hitch, Mr Evan Hoagland, Jeanne J.
Hochstatter, Dr James R Hodgson, Eunice-Jo
Hoefert, Olga Hoesley, David V Holmes,
Bruce D Honadel, Beverly Hoppe, Ronald H
Horn, Murray & Madonna Hostetter, Peggy
Houghton, Daniel Hoy, Cindy Hron, David
Hron, Judith Huf, Susan Hundt-Bergan,
Richard Huss, John & Judith Hutchinson,
Yvonne Hyde, Tricia Hyland, Vladimir
Ivanovic, William & Andrea Iwen
J
George Jacklin, Jay Jackson, Violet
Jacobson, Darlene Jakusz, Martha J.
Jalbert, Chris Janesky, Robert & Louise
Jeanne, Timothy C Jeffery, Amy Johnson,
James H. Johnson, Martin Johnson, Noel
Johnson, Cynthia Johnston, Nancy Johnston,
J Johnston-Walsh, Gerald Josephson, Francis
A Juckem, Dale Julian
K
Sara Kallstrom, Mary Kamps, Sue
Kartman & Cindy Walters, Jeffrey
& Carolyn Keith, John J & Jacqueline Kelley,
Lawerence Kent, James Kerler, Bruce & Rita
Kilmer, Meredith Kilmer, Robert & Susan
Kinde, Celest King, Kathleen King, Maureen
Kinney, Kathryn Kirk, Peggy Kirkeeng, Lane
Kistler, Gary B Klatt, Ruth M Kleban, Margret
Klessig, Carol Knoble & David Storm, Janet
Knoeller, Chad Koch, Evelyn Koenig, Philip
Koenig, James & Mary Koepke, Stephen E
Koermer, Mary Kohl, Mary & Scott Kolar,
Frank Kopenski, Elaine Kotlarek, Leland
Krebs, Sara Krebsbach & Glenn Reinl, Sylvia J
Kreutzmann, John Kreznar, Margaret Krome
& Steve Ventura, Frank Krueger, Wayne &
Laura Krueger, Linda & Peter Krug, Brigid
Krutek, Francis Kubisiak, Steven K Kulick,
Joan Kwiatkowski
L
Margaret Lacy, Jack Ladinsky,
Veronica Lambrecht, Marion Lang,
Adrienne & Paul Laubenstein, Eugene &
Gwen Lavin, Karen Law, Renata Laxova,
David & Darlene Lee, Peter W Lee, Rose
Marie Lefebvre, Catherine Lemay Brown,
Charlene A Lemoine, Lynn Leopold, Cynthia
& Mike Lessard, Vic & Sue Levy, Mary J
Lewandowski, William & Leslie Liebler,
Leon Lindberg, Elizabeth Lindner, Erwin
Lindeman, Dr William Little, M D, Mrs
Roland A Locher, Suzanne Loft, Carol M.
Logan, Richard Lorenz, Dr W H & Anne M
Love, Gabriele Lubach, David Lucey, Bruce
Luecke, Gregory Lund, Joan Lundin, Paul &
Mary Lydolph
M
Stewart Macaulay, Beverly
J Mach, Margie Macleod,
Nancy Malvick, David & Heather Mann,
Christopher Marowski, Robert I Marsh,
Dr Chester Martin, Jim Martino, Mathew
Marty, Cory Masiak, Teresa Mason, Terry
Mason, P Mather & L Seidman, Constance
Matusiak, Martha Maxwell, Bob McCurdy,
Susan McGovern, David McIntosh, Patricia
McQuiddy, Byron R. Mehl, William Meier,
William Mello, Laura Menefee, Joel Merritt,
John Mesching, Bonny Meyer, Hans Meyer,
Nicholas Meyer, Fred & Judy Middleton,
Susan Millar, Arthur & Louise Miller, Dr
Christine Miller, Robert & Catherine Miller,
Sharon Miller, Kathy & Don Miner, Lisa
Mink, Michael Moen, Robert M Molitor, The
Monches Foundation, Marilyn Mondloch,
Richard Moninski, William & Dianne Moore,
William Mueller, Sarah Muente, Kate Mullins,
Martha Munger & Donald Mowry, Ms Lisa
Munro, John Murphy, Tom Murphy, Peter &
Helen Muto, George & Nan Myers
N&O
Jodi Nachtwey,
Edward Natzke,
Paul Neary, Jennifer & Tom Nelson, Joe
Neuman & Sharon Lavin, Charles Nordell,
Barbara Norene, Anthony & Darlene Nowak,
Seth Nowak, Jeanne & John O’Connell,
Katharine Odell, Andy Olsen, James &
Margaret Olson, Linda & Gordon Olson,
Mary Ortmayer & Harry Knipp, Danielle B.
Oster, Eileen O’Sullivan, Magdalena Otalora,
Gerald Ottone, Sarah Overholt, Amy Owen
P
Jeanne C Panka, Kim Parsons, Leslie
Paynter, Revs Charles & Evelyn
Payson, Doug and Sue Pearson, Leroy
Pearson, Roger Peck, Sally & Bill Peck, Liza
Peckham, Bonnie Pedraza, Dennis and
Rebecca Pelzek, Ardis Perushek, David &
Louise Petering, Ted & Karen Peters, Denise
Peterson, Kristian Peterson, Erik Pettersen,
Mary Pfaff, Shirley Phillips, Barbara
Piotrowiak, Kathleen Plaisance, Joan Plumley,
Mark Pocan, Bill Pogge, Karen Pope, Dr Kent
W Powley, Prairie Unitarian Society, Maurine
& Paul Prawdzik, Dione Prestwor, Heather
Price, Jill Price, Dorothy & Mark E Prouty
R
Frank Ranallo, Edward R Rang, Steven
J Ratfelders, Tim Raupp, Mark S
Regan, John Reindl, Raymond Retzlaff, Dale
& Carol Reuter, Karyl Rice, Ms. Jane Richard,
Hilda J Richey, Robert W Richgels, Cynthia
A Rieck, David & Dawn Rieckmann, Dana
Rima, Hans & Theron Ris, Jeannie Roberts,
L D & Judy Rockwell, Cynthia Rose, Max &
Betty Rosenbaum, David Rosenberg & Sandy
Byrne, Sue Roska, Ron Rosner & Ronnie
Hess, Janet Ross, Heidi Roth, Mary Roth,
Francie Rowe, Susan Ruggles, Jeff & Linda
Russell, Dennis & Sharon Ryan
S
Colin Sadler, Jan Saecker, Bernard
Saley, C R Sanabria & D S Duncan,
Jerry Sanders, Ellyn Satter, Bill & Susan
Saucier, Jamie Saul, Peggy Scallon & Mark
Redsten, Dale Schaber & Penny Bernard
Schaber, Joanne & Don Schalch, Kathleen
& Ron Schanovich, Joyce Schaut, Maria
B Scheidegger, Ronald Schell, J Schimpff
& T Stabo, Mary Schlaefer, Jane Schley,
Caroline Schmidt, Tim Schmidt, Glenn
& Mary Schnadt, Jane E Schneider,
Madeline Schoeller, Karlyn Schoenfeld,
Ron Schraufnagel, Claudia Schreiner, John
Schrock & Mary Berube, Michael & Trina
Schuler, Thomas & Karen Schuppe, Andrew
Schwantes, Charles Scott, Marian SeagrenHall, S Sedlachek & M Vohs, Marty Semple,
Ronald Senft, Bill & Janice Seybold, Laura
Brown & Dr Mark N Shahan, D.F. Sharpee,
Stan Sheggeby, Alyssa Shelstad, Daryl K
Sherman, Ronald L Shiffler, Lynn Shoemaker,
Eugene & Barbara Shreves, Janice Sieber,
Virginia Siehr, B Sieling & M Schliesman,
Peter Sigmann, Diane and Roger Sikorski,
Mark Silverman, Jodi Habush Sinykin, Ken
& Judy Skog, David & Gretchen Skoloda, Ms
Deborah Skubal, Anne Slaughter Perrote,
Charles R Smith, Charlotte Smith, Dr Donald
& Susan Smith, Karen Smith, Kathleen
Smith, Richard Smith & Pat McKearn,
Ross & Sue Ann Smith, John Solie, Louis &
Elsbeth Solomon, Wanda Sonnentag, Lee
Sorensen, R Spindler & M Canales, Elroy
Spletter, L A Sromovsky & E Hanneman, Bob
St Louis, Will Stahl, Marge Staller, Robert
Stanley, James J Steffens, Mildred Stengel,
David & Kathleen Stetter, Dorothy Stoflet,
Vivian Stone, Ralph Storm, Marylyn Stroup,
Mary Stuessy, Bradley & Kathryn Sullivan,
Dennis Sullivan, Jeanne Sully, Dr Michel
Sultan, Carmen R Swanson, Elaine & Severin
Swanson, Jean M. Sweet, Jeffrey L Swiggum,
Marilyn Swiontek, Jeffrey Sytsma, Michael
Szeliga, Douglas Szper
T
Jean Taffs, Dr George & Margaret
Tanner, Chris Taylor & James Feldman,
Edward X. Taylor, Michael J & Judith A
Taylor, Rayla G Temin, Caryl & Bob Terrell,
Joseph Testa, Keith & Marcie Thayer, Barbara
Thompson, Mr & Mrs Donald E Thompson,
Douglas Thompson, Eric Thompson,
Kathleen K Thomson, Dawn Thorwaldson,
Elizabeth Throckmorton, P Timbie & P
Rosenmeyer, David Topp, Karen & Ron
Toshner, David Towne, Caryn Treiber, Shirley
Tretow, J & C Tries, Mary Troudt, Bruce
Tulloch, C Tully & J Dierks, Susan & John
Twiggs
U&V
Marianne Ullrich,
Jane Umnus, Eric
Uram, Jean Urbach, Lynn & Nancy Utesch,
Nancy Vedder-Shults, Maria Verrette, M
Vickerman & P Wiesen, Sue Vogt, Martin &
Karen Voss, William Vreeland
W,X,Y
Linda & Tom
Walsh, Jay
& Melissa Warner, Rose Mary Wasick, Steve
Watrous, Barbara Weade & Michael Goc,
Robert & Judy Weaver, John Weber, Therese
Weick, Rita & Jim Weiland, Joanne Weinstein,
C Wells & D Loeffler, Randy Wendt, Robert
& Lena Wenger, Richard R Wentzel, Gary
Werner & Melanie Lord, Mary Werner, Shahla
Werner & Andy Weidert, Warren R Werner,
Liz & Bill Wessel, Michael Westerberg, Eric
& Vicki Wheeler, Don Wichert, Matthew
Wiedenhoeft, Linda Wiedmann, Theresa &
Bruce Wiggins, Susan Williams, John and
Karen Wilson, Mrs. Roger Wilson, Patrick &
Bobbie Wilson, Robert L Wilson, Beverly A
Wimmer, Teresa Wohlrab, Eleanor Wolf, Mrs.
Chris Wood, Levi & Janet K Wood, John &
Mavis Wood, Les & Carol Yaeger, Laurie Yahr
& Rich Kahl, John Young, Linda Young
Z
Katherine M. Zajac, Janice Zawacki,
Dace Zeps, Eric Zillgitt, Mary Ann
Zownie, Gary L Zumach, Ellen Zweibel
These donations were made from November 1, 2013 through October 31, 2014. Thanks also go out to our many
contributors who prefer to remain anonymous. We try to acknowledge every donor, if you name is not listed,
please know that we greatly appreciate your support.
11
New Subcommittee Formed to Protect Native
Forests, Wolves and Other Wildlife
By Shahla Werner, Director-John Muir Chapter
Sierra Club’s new Protecting Native Forests & Wildlife Subcommittee convened
on November 7 in Fond du Lac to take the
first steps towards developing effective,
grassroots campaigns to protect Wisconsin’s
wolves, our north woods and the associated economic and ecological resources that
depend on them. We are fortunate to have
recruited talented members who represent broad geographic areas; varying skills
including research, litigation, oral and written
communications and facilitation; and even
diverse views on hunting. The group’s goals
are to restore science-based management to
natural resources; to ensure that a broad set
of recreational uses (and users) are welcomed
on public lands and waters; and to ensure
that cherished habitats and the species that
depend on them are sustained for generations
to come.
Our subcommittee volunteers have done
a lot in 2014, even prior to our in-person
meeting. Members attended Natural Resource
Board and Wolf Advisory Committee (WAC)
meetings, although we have not been allowed
to serve on the WAC, and voiced concerns
about the 2014 wolf quota which allowed
for the hunting and trapping of at least 150
wolves. Members echoed the serious concerns
of scientists from throughout the nation who
outlined issues with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ deficiencies in
grey wolf management and monitoring to
the US Fish and Wildlife Service. They also
sounded the alarms about the rapid pace of
this year’s wolf season. Although slated to run
from October 15, 2014 to February 28, 2015,
at least 142 wolves had already been killed by
November 15 (85 percent of those in traps).
Although the season will likely be closed
before you read this newsletter, lag times in
reporting, exceeding quotas in zones 1 and 2
and poaching may result in reducing populations beyond sustainable levels.
Our efforts will continue in 2015 as we gear
up for the spring Conservation Congress
hearings and urge the legislature to end costly
depredation payments for hunting hounds,
amounting to $500,000 since 1985. We will
also support maintaining large tracts of intact
older growth forest in the Chequamegon
Nicolet National Forest to maintain biodiversity and maximize carbon sequestration to
counteract climate change and deer browsing
impacts. Please contact Chapter Director
Shahla Werner at shahla.werner@sierraclub.
org if you are interested in assisting the
efforts of this new subcommittee dedicated to
protecting native forests & wildlife for future
generations.
EXPLORE, ENJOY AND PROTECT WISCONSIN
Support your local Sierra Club
When you make a donation to the John Muir Chapter, you support the Sierra
Club’s work in your own backyard. You allow us to continue our work to protect wilderness and wildlife, to improve the quality of life in our cities and to
promote the enjoyment of nature.
Please be as generous as you are able. Your contributions, above and beyond
membership dues, are an important part of the Chapter’s budget.
Contributions, gifts and dues to the Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter are not tax-deductible.
12
q$50 q$100 q $250 q $500 other amount:
Mail your contribution to:
Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter
222 S. Hamilton St., Ste 11
Madison, WI 53703
Name:
Online contributions:
www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin
Phone:
email:
q Please keep my gift anonymous
Address:
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2015
Quetico/Boundary Waters Paddling Adventures
Don’t miss the opportunity to paddle the wild Northwoods on canoe trips offered by John Muir Chapter Outings
in 2015. Spanning the international border between Northeast Minnesota and Southwest Ontario, this gem in the
heart of North America offers the largest expanse of wild, public access lands in the region. With over 2,000 lakes
and almost 1.2 million acres of remote wilderness, Quetico offers travelers on its picturesque rivers and lakes a visual and personal encounter, all while navigating the rugged beauty of its towering rock cliffs, majestic waterfalls,
and virgin pine and spruce forests.
Our trip leaders are experienced veterans with Wilderness First Aid training and Sierra Club’s Outings Leadership Training approvals in addition to their outings, leadership and life experiences. For candidate participants
no experience is required, but a friendly personality, positive attitude and good physical fitness are essential
assets.
Fees generally run $600 per person, but can vary. Trips normally last 8 days/7 nights from start (put-in) to finish
(take-out). Crews can be limited by trip leaders up to a maximum of nine. Fees include all group supplies, equipment, food and lodging – including park permits and taxes. Not included are personal pre/post trip travel costs,
passports, permits and fishing licenses. Participants supply their own camping gear and clothing. Contact trip
leaders for additional information about registration – including where to send your $100 (refundable) deposit to reserve your spot.
Fees include support for the John Muir Chapter Outings Program and its ability to continue offering these trips annually. Additional contributions to this fund are always welcome.
June 20-28, 2015
August 27-September 7, 2015
National Wild and Scenic River in Northern Wisconsin. Limited to 8.
Leader: David Thomas 414-344-1044,
[email protected]
Co-leaders: Peter Brands 262-8883516 [email protected] and Tim
Karaskiewicz
September 24-27, 2015
(2 travel days, canoe trip: 8 days, 7 nights)
Trip Departure Point: Moose Lake - Ely,
MN area.
(2 travel days, canoe trip: 8 days, 7 nights)
Trip departure point Ely, Mn area
Trip Cost: $600
Trip cost $600
Joined by his wife Diane, David will lead
a trip to experience the long days and
short nights around the summer solstice.
This ultralight trip will prioritize photography, drawing, painting or fishing opportunities especially on layover days.
August 7-16, 2015
Other trips of interest:
Leader: Vicki Christianson 715-827-0379
[email protected]
Sylvania Wilderness Service Project
(2 travel days, canoe trip: 8 days, 7 nights)
Trip Departure Point: Moose Lake - Ely,
MN area.
Trip Cost: $600
Participants get to enjoy a variety of
lakes, portages, streams, wildlife, waterfalls, Ojibway pictographs and fishing
opportunities.
July 31-August 9, 2015
(2 travel days, canoe trip: 8 days, 7 nights)
June 19-23, 2015 (5 days, 4 nights)
Leader: Dan Wallace, 608-835-5144,
[email protected]
Trip Departure point:
Trip cost: $50/ person
Help stop invasive non-native thistles in
the UP Michigan Sylvania Wilderness
Area. Additional recreation opportunities,
including hiking and canoeing. Reserve
by June 10. See: www.friendsofsylvania.
org for background. Limited to 11.
Leader: Nancy McDermott 608-238-1421
[email protected]
August 14-17, 2015
Trip Departure Point: Atikokan, ON area.
Leader: Eric Uram 608-233-4120, Eric.
[email protected]
Trip Cost: $600
Will Stahl, certified paddling instructor,
joins Nancy in leading this trip, which enters from Canada to reduce portages and
provide wilderness fishing opportunities
with more base camp days. Get on the
waiting list, this will fill up fast.
(4 days, 3 nights)
Departure point: TBD
Trip cost: $150
Enjoy a summer float on a father-child
outing to prepare younger campers for
longer trips away from cars. Paddle a
(4 days, 3 nights)
Leaders: Janet Clear - 608-833-1339,
[email protected]; Nancy McDermott
- 608-238-1421, [email protected]
Departure point: Trego, WI
Trip cost: $150
Enjoy the autumn colors on a leisurely
float on a women-only trip covering 25
miles of the National Wild and Scenic
Namekagon River in Northern Wisconsin.
Limited to 6.
Liability Waiver & Carpooling
While no experience is required, all participants must complete a medical history and
canoe experience form, and then be approved
by their trip leader before participating on any
outing. Liability insurance coverage provided
by Sierra Club for all participants. All forms
are available for viewing by any prospective
participant upon request.
In the interests of facilitating logistics for
some outings, it is customary that participants
make carpooling arrangements to the outing’s
starting point. Sierra Club outings insurance
does not cover the time prior to, or following,
the outing when crew may still travel together.
Therefore, carpooling, ride sharing or similar
activities are a private arrangement made
among participants.
CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of
travel does not constitute approval by the
State of California.
13
green review by Amy Lou Jenkins
Living a Land Ethic: A History of Cooperative Conservation on the Leopold
Memorial Preserve, by Stephen A. Laubach.
University of Wisconsin Press, 2014, 107
pages.
About a decade ago, I asked dear friend Nina
Leopold Bradley, daughter of Aldo Leopold,
about the relationship between the Leopold
Study Preserve, the Sand County Foundation,
and the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo,
Wisconsin. She said, “It’s complicated” and in
my memory she uncharacteristically rolled
her eyes before changing the subject. The
subtle hint at complexity and conflict served
as my only answer. Nina died in her Leopold
Preserve home in 2011 at age 93. Stephen
Laubach has finally answered the complicated
questions about how many organizations and
individuals cooperated in honoring and managing the Leopold Preserve and associated
organizations in Living a Land Ethic.
Most lovers of literature and conservation
ideas revere Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac for its moving and cogent treatment of the
cultural and scientific exploration of land use,
conservation, and environmental ethics. The
Almanac oozes with inspiration and ethical
ideals that might have only collected dust. But
passion for the ideas spurred organizations
such as the Study Preserve and Aldo Leopold
Foundation.
Beneath the many organizations related to the
Foundation is a story of generational, political, and ideological conflict and cooperation.
The chronicles of this land inspired some of
the most important ideas that underpin the
very science and movement of conservation.
Laubach offers an historical overview of the
land before and during the Aldo Leopold
family years.
The centerpiece of the Study Preserve has always been an old chicken coop. Aldo and his
family cleaned it out and added a few human
necessities including a fireplace, windows and
sleeping platforms. This old coop that they
called “the shack” is now a registered National
Historic Landmark. Aldo didn’t mind that
the land was worn out farmland. In fact, the
opportunity to rewild the fallow farmland
served as an important scientific draw.
Laubach offers us a more sympathetic look at
the previous owner of the land than had been
previously provided in literature. Leopold
humorously called the former owner a moonshiner, and folklore has sought to portray the
14
previous owners as callously using up
the land. Laubach unearths information
that humanizes farmers – William and
Carolina Baxter and Jacob and Emma
Alexander. They followed the farming
practices of the times in hardscrabble
decades of working the sandy soil.
Low fertility was not conducive to the
agricultural practices in use between
the mid-1800s and 1936 when Leopold
bought the land. Laubach’s search for
accurate portrayals is perhaps more
helpful than the mythology that by
contrast seeks to unnecessarily elevate
Leopold’s conservation efforts. The
truth of people working very hard
while rescinding the fecundity of the
land and their own livelihood is a
more realistic look at well-meaning
work for short-term, unsustainable
benefit. The story of people doing
their best while destroying the land
calls out for the scientific and ethical
progress that Leopold articulated in
A Sand County Almanac.
Nina, whose Leopold Preserve home was a
point of controversy for conflicting organizational opinions (that might have explained
the perceived eye-rolling), marveled at the accomplishments and depth of research possible
on a little plot of land. Laubach animates her
wonder at how much there is to learn while
studying the land. Hundreds of scientists and
researchers have helped to advance the science of land management and natural systems
at the Leopold Preserve.
The mix of people who love the land, revere
Leopold, and seek scientific accuracy doesn’t
always engender harmony. As landowners
joined the Leopolds in their mission to
protect land and foster the science of land
husbandry, conflicts arose. The conflicts were
often tied to interpretation of ideologies and
shifts in focus. The oldest Leopold son, Starker, advocated for serious science study and
considered donating the land to the University of Wisconsin. Daughter, Nina, who lived at
The Preserve with her husband, emphasized
prairie restoration and mentorship of scientists. Neighbors wanted to ride their horses
where they wished. Some Leopold grandchildren wanted the compound to remain a
private entity—while working with universities and nonprofits to advance the ethics
and science of land conservation. Conflicts
continue to arise. Should the Leopold foundation seek to acquire more land to buffer
the shack and support research? Should
land be sold? Can private owners be enticed
to manage their land according to sound land
practices? How much public money should
be used? Questions arise, times change, new
generations assume authority, and it’s not easy
to retain focus.
Good-intentioned environmentalists tried to
speak for Aldo Leopold, and there has thus far
been a Leopold grown child here to caution
against trying to end an argument with a Leopold quote or interpretation as an excuse to
proclaim rightness without listening. In this
account of a living land ethic, we find people
who are willing to listen to each other—even
though it’s neither easy nor fashionable to
listen to those with opposing opinions. Laubach shows us that the mission, which might
be abbreviated as learning to live on a piece
of land without spoiling it, has withstood the
complexities inherent to people and organizations because of respect for land, science,
conservation and people.
Amy Lou Jenkins is the author of Every Natural
Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting.
Contact her through her site at www. AmyLouJenkins.com if you’d like to offer a book for
possible review.
15
John Muir Chapter Calendar
Events Calendar:
January 9RENEW WI Policy Summit
UW-Madison, www.renewwisconsin.org/
January 10Sierra Club-River Touring Section Meeting
February 2
wisconsin.sierraclub.org/rts/
World Wetlands Day
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
1) Publication title: Muir View (The). 2) Publication number: 0199-0489. 3) Filing date: 09/29/14. 4) Issue
frequency: quarterly. 5) Number of issues published annually: four. 6) Annual subscription price: $5.00 or
part of dues of Sierra Club membership. 7) Complete mailing address of known office of publication:
Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter, 222 S. Hamilton Street, Suite 11, Madison, Dane County, WI 53703-3201.
Contact person: Jacinda Tessmann, telephone number: (608) 256-0565. 8) Complete mailing address of
headquarters or general business office of publisher: Same as No. 7. 9) Full names and complete mailing
addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: Publisher: Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter, 222 S.
Hamilton St., Suite 11, Madison, WI 53703-3201. Editor: Jacinda Tessmann, 222 S. Hamilton St., Suite 11,
Madison, WI 53703-3201. Managing Editor: Same as Editor. 10) Owner: Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter,
222 S. Hamilton Street, Suite 11, Madison, WI 53703-3201. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and
other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other
securities: None. 12) Tax status. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the
exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during preceding 12 months. 13)
Publication title: Muir View (The). 14) Issue date for circulation data below: Oct/Dec 2014.
www.worldwetlandsday.org
February 26-28MOSES Organic Farming Conference
LaCrosse, WI, mosesorganic.org/conference
February 27WI Environmental Health Network
Making the Connection Conference
UW-Madison, [email protected]
15a
15b1
15b2
15b3
March 13-15
Canoecopia
Alliant Energy Center, Madison,
www.canoecopia.com
March 21
Prairie Enthusiasts’ Annual Prairie Conference &
Banquet UW-Stevens Point,
www.theprairieenthusiasts.org/
March 22
UN World Water Day
www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Jan 10Executive Committee Meeting
16
10:00 a.m., MATC - Portage Campus,
330 W. Collins St., Portage
Website: http://wisconsin.sierraclub.org
Phone: (608)256-0565
E-mail: [email protected]
15b4
15c
15d1
15d2
15d3
15d4
15e
15f
15g
15h
15i
16
17
Avg. no. copies each
issue during the
preceding 12
months
12,656
12,274
Total no. of copies (net press run)
Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions
stated on PS form 3541
Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated
on PS form 3541
Paid distribution outside the mails including
sales through dealers and carriers, street
vendors, counter sales, and other paid
distribution outside USPS
Paid distribution by other classes of mail
through the USPS (e.g. first-class mail)
Total paid distribution
Free or nominal rate outside-county copies
included on PS form 3541
Free or nominal rate in-county copies
included on PS form 3541
Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other
classes through the USPS (e.g. first-class
mail)
Free or nominal rate distribution outside
the mail
Total free or nominal rate distribution
Total distribution
Copies not distributed
Total
Percent paid
Statement of Ownership will be printed in the
January/February/March issue of this publication.
Signature and title of editor, publisher,
business manager, or owner
No. copies of single
issue published
nearest to filing date
12,654
12,310
0
0
0
0
1
1
12,275
0
12,311
0
0
0
23
47
135
173
158
12,433
223
12,656
98.73%
220
12,531
123
12,654
98.24%
Jacinda Tessmann
Chapter Coordinator